Teen gift ideas to share quality time together

As kids get older, finding holiday gifts for them becomes more of a challenge. One option is giving them the gift of an experience, which means fewer items in the house and more quality together.

Scavenger hunts

If you’re hunting for the perfect gift, a scavenger hunt may be the answer. It’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective. Big City Hunt has a few different options for hunts in Chicago, including in the Loop, at Lincoln Park Zoo and a Chicago Ghost Hunt.

Stocks (Really)

Have a kid who is destined to become a business mogul? Stockpile allows adults to buy fractional shares of companies your kids are familiar with in any dollar amount from $5 to $1,000 to gift to kids. And they offer a bit of fun when doing so.

Make it something you do together -- from picking out the company and explaining how to monitor stock performance to taking an outing to an establishment related to the company. (Lunch at McDonald’s, catching a new Disney film or a trip to the Apple Store.) Kids may see the experience a bit differently if they know they have a stake in the company.

Concert tickets

Kids will always remember their first concert. And even if it isn’t their first, they’ll probably be more grateful than they can express that you’re willing to take them to see their favorite musicians. I have to say that taking my daughter to concerts is often more fun than I anticipate, and it provides valuable insight into her world.

Tickets are on sale now for concerts coming up soon and well into the summer, including Taylor Swift at Soldier Field and Harry Styles at the United Center, both in June.

Beluga Encounter at Shedd Aquarium

Feeding a beluga whale is a once-in-a-lifetime event that’s sure to be a moment kids won’t forget. If the budget allows, spring from the opportunity to do so with the Shedd Aquarium’s Beluga Encounter, one of their extraordinary experiences. It’s for ages 12 and up, and kids ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Another option is the Penguin Encounter, which is open to kids ages 6 and older and a bit cheaper.

Tour the Chicago Theatre

Getting to stand on the Chicago Theatre stage can be a thrill for both kids and adults alike, and you get to do so on the Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour. Find more behind-the-scenes tours here.

If you have a sports fan, check out fun experiences related to Chicago teams here.